Vanilla is one of the world’s most well-known and popular flavors, the star in a diverse array of products. It is an FDA and FEMA (Flavor and Extract Manufacturer Association) approved aromatic compound used in domestic cooking, baking, and commercial food and beverages. It’s also prevalent in fragrances, aromatherapy, and other personal care essentials. Also, […]
Islamic consumers live by “Eat of what Allah has provided for you [which is] lawful and good.” They are also advised, “That flesh will not enter Paradise which has grown from Haram, and all that flesh which has grown from Haram, the fire (of hell) is more worthy of it.” But what are the […]
Seaweed – we know these marine plants as salty, seemingly slimy, and offering ocean fish and other sea life a place to shelter and feed. Still, did you know that red, brown, green, and blue-green sea vegetables are also considered a superfood for humans? With over 145 varieties used worldwide, the plants and algae are […]
When you see whiskey, you probably think of the green hills of Ireland or Scotland, and even the Tennessee and Kentucky in the US, but did you know you can find the same enjoyment in Japanese whiskies? Discover Nikka, Hibiki, Suntory, and Yamazaki, fashioned after Scotch and spelled “whisky”? The Japanese create their whisky […]
Olive oil is not just for Mediterranean diets and offers more than a deliciously aromatic dressing for your salad. This rich extract from the fruit of olive trees is 50 times less likely to oxidize than other plant oils. It is known as one of the healthiest plant oils, especially its unrefined, virgin form. […]
What is urban farming? Producing food closer to home is increasingly essential with climate change and concerns around carbon footprint reduction. This localization of production includes cultivating our crops, animal products, and other food types in built-up areas, including vertical farming. The practice also isn’t new. The ancient Mesopotamians grew crops in cities in 3,500 […]
Taste is a critical survival mechanism, guiding animals to safe sustenance and helping the body to identify and reject toxic or poisonous substances. In addition, taste is a quality-of-life enhancer, providing nutritional and non-essential sensory pleasure. At the same time, our sense and perception of taste is complex. What Is Taste? Thanks to receptors […]
Salt use dates back to prehistoric times, emerging from Egyptian, Chinese, and Roman civilizations, where they extracted it from seawater or brine through sun evaporation. Considered a “sacred mineral” by some cultures, it was used for flavoring, preserving, as a trading commodity, and in religious rites. The mineral remains an indispensable ingredient to satisfy […]
A food or drink’s color is as important as its taste. The color of a food product can attract or repel and suggest the item’s taste, nutrient profile, quality, and freshness. Although not strictly functional, we associate colors with specific tastes and sensations – sweet, sour, or bitter, for example – which our brains anticipate. […]
Plant-based eating is growing globally for compelling reasons such as health, compassion, and eco-consciousness. Euromonitor International reports that 12% of US consumers are attempting a plant-based diet, while 17% are reducing their meat consumption1. Growth is expected particularly in North America, representing over a third of the market, with Asia-Pacific enjoying the highest growth rate2. […]
